As we know with the Dragons losing this weekend we are guaranteed making the semi's. French needs to be rested and rehab up until week 1 of the semi's. As Normy has picked up a groin/hip flexor strain I would also rest him for the next 2 weeks up to week 1 of the semi's. Therefore I would do the following:
Round 25:
Ma'u out suspended - Replaced by Folau. Edwards to start, Folau on bench as a secondrower.
French rested - Hoffman to fullback.
Norman rested - Smith to 5/8.
Round 26:
Ma'u back in - Brown rested. Frank the Tank replaces Folau on bench.
French rested - Hoffman stays at fullback.
Norman rested - Smith stays at 5/8.
Mannah rested - Vave replaces Mannah.
From a risk management perspective some players need a rest and some guys need rehab. Both French and Normy need rehab and both should miss the Broncos and Souths games. By giving some guys a rest we get to give Hoffman, Frank the Tank and Folau some invaluable time in the top grade leading into the semi's.
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Obviously, if Kaysa and Scott pass fitness tests they will probably get a run in Round 26. But if they are not right for round 26 I wouldn't be bringing either of them in for the first week of the semi's as they won't have the match fitness needed for a fast semi final game.
You don't rest your best players in the final rounds, unless they have an actual injury, not just a knock. You want to go into the finals with momentum and consistency, that doesn't happen with resting players.
Bevan won't play.
Norman should be fine. Brown is not in need or a rest at all.
Folau is no where near a first grade player either, and Hoffman was well off the space even in reserves this week.
No changes unless forced
Brown desperately needs a rest, desperately.
Mannah desperately needs a game off.
Normy has a groin injury and they don't repair quickly.
French shouldn't have played last game and needs at least 2 weeks off and that still might be enough time in rehab.
If you treat the players like pieces of meat they will not perform when needed.
Why would we rest players when we are still in the hunt for a top 4 spot? I'd rather a tired side in the top 4 than a rested team in the bottom 4.
Because we have guys playing busted and they are struggling to keep playing to a high level each week. You don't win the GF in week 1. Its no good going into week 1 with Normy if he can't run or brown and Mannah are busted. Its call good management.
I love your glass half full theory.
Mate you don't win a GF from the bottom 4. Good management? It's all in from now on, our priority is to make the top 4, win our first game and then rest players.
We are highly unlikely to beat Broncos in QLD without French, with Normy having a leg injury and without a fit Scott. If we lose against the Broncos we won't finish top 4.
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